Hoyer on Today's Court Ruling That Tom DeLay Must Remain on the Ballot for U.S. House

For Immediate Release:

August 3, 2006

Contact:Stacey Farnen Bernards(202) 225 - 3130

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this afternoon in response to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that former Rep. Tom DeLay must stay on the ballot for the office he resigned under a cloud of scandal in June:

"The Republican effort to remove Tom DeLay from the ballot is just their latest attempt to manipulate elections, and the latest evidence that Republicans have no qualms about playing games with America's voters for their own gain. Former Rep. DeLay has been one of the architects of this unscrupulous quest for power.

"Mr. DeLay was forced to step down after he was indicted for potentially illegal acts meant to increase Republican power in Texas and retain a majority in the U.S. House. Now Republicans are trying to escape the consequences of his actions by removing Mr. DeLay from the ballot, once again resorting to any means to maintain their grip on power.

"Today's decision was the right decision. I believe that the voters of the 22nd Congressional District in Texas are tired of Republican shenanigans and will vote for change."